Trap at Murphey Candler Lake in Brookhaven collects 12 tons of trash

Since its installation in 2020, a trash trap at Murphey Candler Lake in Brookhaven has collected 12 tons of trash and debris.

The Bandalong Litter Trap system was part of the Murphey Candler Lake and Nancy Creek Watershed project to keep the lake’s waters clean and help improve its purification properties.

The trap was only the fifth one to be installed in Georgia, and the 21st trap to be installed in the United States.

Currently, the collected trash is being sent to the landfill but many materials could be recycled, said Brookhaven Intern Madalin Baker at the Sept. 24 Brookhaven City Council meeting.

“The trash trap floats on the surface and as water flows through the area of the creek, trash and debris are collected,” said Baker.

The most commonly found items are plastic bottles, glass or ceramic fragments, and foam fragments.

A recent stream restoration project lowered the level of Murphey Candler Lake, limiting the collection of trash. Since July, the levels have returned and the trap is back in working order.

Half a ton of trash is collected twice per month. That equals 12 tons, or the weight of a standard school bus. Baker said that education about the trash trap could lead to residents reconsidering how they dispose of trash, and what kind of products they purchase.

Councilmember Michael Diaz, whose district covers Murphey Candler Lake, said he’s passionate about “anything water related.” He suggested the public works department could place a trash trap in the Peachtree Creek Greenway.

“I would welcome one in the Peachtree Creek Greenway,” said Councilmember John Funny. “The residents and the Peachtree Creek Greenway organization do a great job of scheduling trash pick ups, but I think it would be awesome to have one.”

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